Joe Ledley: Celtic are no selling club

Joe Ledley feels Celtic are not a selling club but that Neil Lennon is a shrewd buyer and seller of players

Celtic midfielder Joe Ledley insists the Parkhead side are not a selling club.

Hoops boss Neil Lennon has made no secret of a club policy that seeks to identify cheap youngsters, develop their skills and them move them on for a profit.

The Glasgow giants landed a £6million windfall last summer after Ki Sung-Yueng - originally signed for £2.1million from Korean side FC Seoul - switched to Swansea.

However, in the past six months they have turned down two multi-million pound offers from Norwich and Hull for striker Gary Hooper.

Southampton, meanwhile, are reported to be lining up a £10million bid for Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama but Celtic have yet to sanction his exit.

And Ledley claims that proves the club will only sell on their own terms.

He said: "I don't think we are a selling club or anything like that. I just think the gaffer has done some great business over the years.

"He has looked into youth and brought guys in and trained them well. That's what happens in football.

"If people leave, then they leave. It happens at every single club. Hopefully we can keep hold as many players as we can."

The Parkhead side have acted swiftly to boost their squad ahead of next month's Champions League second qualifying round ties, signing up Portuguese striker Amido Balde from Vitoria Guimaraes in a reported #2million deal, while defender Virgil van Dijk is close to agreeing a move from Dutch side Groningen.

But Ledley is still hopeful Wanyama and Hooper will remain with the club for their European assault.

"Hopefully the club can sort [Victor and Gary] out and get them new deals," he said. "I know they are both happy at the club and I hope they can stay here for many years to come."